Date: Wed, 12 May 2021 13:27:22 +1000 Subject: Re: Freedom of Information Request 2379 - Additional information and request to withdraw [SEC=OFFICIAL] From: J M <[FOI #7295 email]> To: FOI <[email address]> Dear FOI, I appreciate the detailed response, however - I will not withdraw my request at this point in time. Yours sincerely, J M -----Original Message----- Dear J M   I refer to your request of 5 May 2021 to the Department of Health (department) seeking the following under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) (FOI Act):   Figure 1: [1]https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2020.44.30 - "Notified cases of COVID-19 and associated deaths reported to the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) to 5 April 2020"   Figure 2: [2]https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2021.45.2 - "Technical supplement - COVID-19 Australia: Epidemiology reporting Last updated 9 April 2021 COVID-19 National Incident Room Surveillance Team "   Both of the above references to Department of Health Documents (Figure 1 & 2) contain the following paragraph located in "Appendix A: Frequently asked questions":   "Due to the COVID-19 response, unfortunately, specific requests for NNDSS data have been put on hold. We are currently looking into options to be able to respond to data requests in the near future."   Given these documents are respectively dated 5th April 2020 & 9th April 2021, representing over a full calendar year - I am requesting under the FOI act any documents, liasing, meeting minutes, draft documents/presentations and anything further that may be considered relevant to the above quoted paragraph - specifically relating to the phrase: "...We are currently looking into options to be able to respond to data requests in the near future." - that the department has produced in the aforementioned timeframe (5th April 2020 - 9th April 2020).   Thank you for bringing this issue to the department’s attention. The department apologises for the oversight and are in the process of updating the frequently asked questions information on our website that relates to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemiology reports, Australia, 2020-2021.   National notification data on COVID-19 confirmed cases is collated in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS) based on notifications made to state and territory health authorities under the provisions of their relevant public health legislation. As the department are custodians of these data, a request for the release of data from the NNDSS requires agreement from states and territories via the Communicable Diseases Network Australia. Depending on the sensitivity of the data sought, and proposed use, ethics approval may also be required.   Whilst there was a pause in our ability to process requests for NNDSS data in early 2020, including COVID data, all requests which have been received throughout the pandemic have and will continue to be process in line with CDNA policies and procedures. For information on how to apply to access data from the NNDSS, please contact the NNDSS Data Requests inbox ([3][email address]). The relevant business area can then provide you with further information about the process and the required data request forms. Please note that the time it takes to process your request may vary depending on the type(s) of data you request and the necessary approval steps.   The department will ensure that the website, technical appendix and future reports are updated to reflect this.   We hope this information has been helpful. On that basis, could you please confirm in writing by COB Thursday 13 May 2021 if you agree to withdraw your FOI request.   Thank you   Kind regards   FOI Officer   FOI Unit – FOI and Legislation Section [4]cid:image003.png@01D51610.1D98D220 Legal & Assurance Division |  Corporate Operations Group Legal Advice & Legislation Branch Australian Government Department of Health T: 02 6289 1666  | E: [5][email address]  GPO Box 9848, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia   The Department of Health acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Australia and their continued connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to all Elders past and present.    If you receive this email in error, please delete it and contact the sender immediately.     "Important: This transmission is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential or legally privileged information.  If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this communication is strictly prohibited.  If you receive this transmission in error please notify the author immediately and delete all copies of this transmission." References Visible links 1. https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2020.44.30 2. https://doi.org/10.33321/cdi.2021.45.2 3. mailto:[email address] 5. mailto:[email address] ------------------------------------------------------------------- Please use this email address for all replies to this request: [FOI #7295 email] This request has been made by an individual using Right to Know. This message and any reply that you make will be published on the internet. 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